Zubiri: Senate eyeing to pass economic measures, DOFIL by August

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate is eyeing to pass several economic measures as well as the proposed Department of Overseas Filipinos (DOFIL) by next month, Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said Monday.

During the Laging Handa briefing, the pending economic measures include the Retail Trade Liberalization Act, the Foreign Investments Act, and the Public Services Act.

“‘Yan ay matatapos namin by next month. ‘Yan ang aming pangako sa ating mahal na Pangulo noong bumisita kami sa Malacanang for the bills signed into law,” Zubiri said.

“Mayroon din tayong commitment kay Presidente na hopefully by August and September, matatapos na rin namin ‘yung DOFIL. Doon kami nakatutok,” he added.

Zubiri said other pending measures in the Senate include the Solo Parents’ and Children Act and the postponement of the Bangsamoro regular elections.

As per the proposed Bayanihan To Arise as One Act or Bayanihan 3, which seeks to provide financial assistance to Filipinos affected by the pandemic, Zubiri said the Senate is still looking at the fiscal capacity of the country.

“Pag-uusapan namin ito in a caucus early next week right after the State of the Nation Address of the president,” Zubiri said.

The 18th Congress is set to open its third regular session on Monday before President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his final State of the Nation Address. 

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